23 members braved the weather and enjoyed a really interesting evening learning about the many services that are provided by Macmillan Cancer Support from Helen Rogers, Fundraising Manager – Surrey and Tarlika Patel from the Butterfly Centre at Epsom General Hospital.

People are very aware of the Macmillan Nurses, which are a relatively new provision by the charity having only been created in 1975, but do not realise that the organisation has been in existence since 1911 when Douglas Macmillan decided to help cancer sufferers after the death of his father. At that time the illness was not spoken about and there was no help or support so he established the 'Society for the Prevention and Relief of Cancer', providing information on recognising, preventing and treating cancer to patients, doctors and members of the public. He also funded and delivered such necessities as coal to keep patients warm in their homes.

The services available from Macmillan Cancer Support now include;

Health and Social Care Professionals – nurses, doctors, radiographers, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists, clinical geneticists, pharmacists and dieticians. There are also clinical psychologists, occupational therapists, social workers, benefit advisers, information and support services managers and ethnic liaison officers.

Campaigning for Change – subjects include free prescriptions for cancer patients, hospital car park charges, travel insurance, employment and fuel poverty. We also had discussion groups on co-payment of non-prescription drugs. Anyone can support these campaigns just by visiting the website.

Financial Help – Macmillan grants totalling over £9.1 million were distributed to over 24,000 people living with cancer in 2008. They also provide Benefits Advisers online and in local areas through such organisations as the Citizens’ Advice Bureau.

Cancer Voices – Set up in 2001 by people affected by cancer this is now a UK-wide network giving anyone the opportunity to get involved and make a difference. Nigel has been a Cancer Voice for a couple of years and has given talks to Macmillan staff and to outside audiences, interviews with local and national press, live appearances on local radio and national TV. There are also Partnership Groups liaising with the NHS and Consultation Groups countrywide. Opportunities are advertised on the website and are available for patients and carers to get involved.

Information and Support – mobile information centres, CancerLine, an incredible range of literature, YouthLine and a South Asian CancerLine in Punjabi, Urdu and Hindi.

Volunteers – fundraise, support Macmillan offices, provide information and support, promote Macmillan, help with patient care, campaign and act as Cancer Voices.

All of these can be investigated further at the website www.macmillan.org.uk or by contacting Helen on 01252 714818 or at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The Butterfly Centre – is one of many such units provided to give support to patients and their families throughout the UK. There are also Macmillan nurses and healthcare professionals at nine other hospitals in Surrey alone. Tarlika told us that their aim is to offer access to high-quality information, emotional support, confidential counselling, a range of complementary therapies and ‘Learning to Live with Cancer’ course. Currently The Butterfly Centre has no set catchment area and anyone affected by cancer can contact them at the Bradbury Wing at Epsom General Hospital. Tarlika and the other staff can be contacted on 01372 735456 and more information can be found at www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/cancercare.

It was certainly an intense evening trying to get all the services and facilities covered and Helen and Tarlika did an amazing job in the time allowed and the members truly appreciated the visit and talk on behalf of Macmillan Cancer Support.

The next meeting is on Thursday 10th December at member Jan King’s home on the Leatherhead Road where we will enjoy a little seasonal fare provided by Jan and some of the other members. There will be no charge although a donation bowl for contributions will be on the table. Please contact us for directions and any offers of help and to give us an idea of how many to cater for. Hope to see you all there.